On October 15, 2023, the Wuxian Temple, often referred to as the “Ancestral Temple of Guangzhou,” has reopened after an extensive renovation. The temple’s cultural art space was inaugurated alongside the unveiling of the Ziyan Pavilion on October 14. This revitalized venue will undergo trial operations, and it aims to blend ancient and modern history through a framework that includes the “one temple, one floor, one legendary site” and “one museum, one pavilion, one garden,” bringing renewed vitality to the cultural landscape.
Guangzhou, known by nicknames such as “Yangcheng” and “Suicheng,” owes these titles to a local legend. According to folklore, five immortals rode five celestial goats, each carrying a sheaf of rice, to Guangzhou. They gifted this rice to the locals, ensuring the region’s prosperity, and left behind their footprints along with the five goats to protect the city.
The “one temple, one legendary site” aspect of the cultural space reflects this enchanting tale, with “temple” referring to the Wuxian Temple itself, while the “legendary site” is associated with a relic known as the “Footprint of the Immortal,” located to the east of the temple.
To further preserve and utilize historical cultural heritage, the Yuexiu District initiated renovations of the Wuxian Temple and the First Building of Lingnan in 2023. While carefully restoring the artifacts, the district has also sought to explore their multifaceted value. A spokesperson from the Yuexiu District Cultural Heritage Center stated, “We focus on uncovering the cultural significance of these artifacts by gathering ancient poetry, couplets, and inscriptions related to the Wuxian Temple. We have cleverly integrated these into the cultural space, allowing every stone, plant, and tree to tell a piece of history.”
In addition to the renovations, the gardens and structures surrounding the Wuxian Temple have also been enhanced, with the creation of the Ziyan Pavilion and the Xianlin Garden, connected by a pathway that links the temple with the Nanyue Worthies Museum, forming a cohesive cultural landscape.
The Ziyan Pavilion features two levels. The first floor hosts the thematic exhibition “In the Heart of the City—Two Millennia of Yuexiu,” showcasing over 2,000 years of historical and cultural narratives in Guangzhou through the lens of “urban pulse,” “cultural pulse,” and “commercial pulse.” The exhibition aims to serve as the first stop for visitors to understand both Guangzhou and Yuexiu. Utilizing the latest digital tools such as LED screens, AI photo integration, 3D digital artifacts, and multi-touch screens, the exhibition enhances the viewing experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural legacy of “Yangcheng” and comprehend the evolution of the old city over the past 2,200 years.
Beyond static displays, the Wuxian Temple cultural space recently launched immersive interactive theater performances, including “Mystical Tales of the Immortals: The New Rhythm of the Five Goats” and the “Guangfu Dream of Maritime Silk Road VR Experience.” These performances bring the tale of the five goats and the bustle of the maritime trade to life for audiences. From October 16, 2024, the Yuexiu District will kick off its Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Week, featuring a main theme of “Cultural Tourism of Maritime Silk Road,” organized into three chapters: “Tracing Urban Roots,” “Cultural Enrichment,” and “Commercial Splendor,” alongside six key experiential themes, including exploration, performance, exhibitions, entertainment, commerce, and food.
Wang Jing, a member of the Yuexiu District Committee and head of the publicity department, elaborated, “Here, we’ve connected multiple landscapes into a cohesive whole, creating a new type of public cultural space based on a district concept. We aim to develop innovative tourism and cultural experiences characterized by intelligent interaction and immersive experiences, showcasing the enduring charm and contemporary flair of Chinese culture.”
